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Below Average

#7723 of 9,539 schools in CA

Merced High

High School · Merced Union High

PO Box 2167, Merced, CA 95344

Enrollment

1,951

Student-Teacher

23.2:1

Score

4.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,723 of 9,539

In Merced

#25 of 37

public schools

In district

#9 of 9

Merced Union High

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Merced High

4.7/10

High School in Merced · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Stone Ridge Christian School

6.5/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Come Back Charter

3.4/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Merced High

Merced High is a public high school in Merced, CA, part of Merced Union High. Merced High serves approximately 1,951 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 23.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Merced High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #7,723 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Merced High show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Merced High runs 23.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

32% of students at Merced High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.54 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.9% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-16.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-13 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-3.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
College Readiness5.9Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate94%
AP Participation11.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,578
Chronic Absenteeism32.1%

Merced High — Students at Merced High score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 33.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 51.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
53%
ELA
55%
2010
Math
56%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
58%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
60%
ELA
59%
2013
Math
61%
ELA
59%
2014
Math
31%
ELA
59%
2015
Math
30%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
25%
ELA
45%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
45%
2018
Math
19%
ELA
46%
2019
Math
19%
ELA
46%
2020*
Math
20%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
20%
ELA
47%
2024
Math
11.4%
ELA
42.9%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.7/10.

How Merced High Compares

See how Merced High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
19th percentile in CA
Academic
5.3/10
Average
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
24
12 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
84 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
11.5% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics24sports offered
12 boys'·12 girls'·44 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box 2167, Merced, CA 95344

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Merced High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Independence High (Alternative) (rated 6.7/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sequoia High (rated 6.3/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Yosemite High (Continuation) (rated 5.0/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Merced, see our Merced schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
STONE RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Merced 0.5 mi 6.5
Come Back Charter Merced 0.8 mi 3.4
John Muir Elementary Merced 0.8 mi 3.5
Luther Burbank Elementary Merced 0.7 mi 7.5
Rudolph Rivera Middle Merced 0.7 mi 5.4
Rudolph Rivera Elementary Merced 0.7 mi 5.2
Allan Peterson Elementary Merced 0.9 mi 4.4
Herbert Hoover Middle Merced 1.2 mi 5.7
John C. Fremont Elementary Merced 1.2 mi 4.5
Yosemite High (Continuation) Merced 1.4 mi 5.0
Independence High (Alternative) Merced 1.4 mi 6.7
Sequoia High Merced 1.5 mi 6.3
Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle Merced 1.4 mi 5.0
Merced City School District Community Day Merced 1.4 mi 5.6
Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary Merced 1.3 mi 4.4
Our Lady of Mercy Merced 1.5 mi
Ada Givens Elementary Merced 1.5 mi 5.1
Charles Wright Elementary Merced 1.7 mi 4.1
Merced County Special Education Merced 1.8 mi 3.3
Don Stowell Elementary Merced 2.0 mi 3.5

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego San Diego, CA 4.7
BISHOP ODOWD HIGH SCHOOL Oakland, CA 4.7
Gompers Preparatory Academy San Diego, CA 4.7
Lincoln High San Diego, CA 4.7
Matilda Torres High Madera, CA 4.7
Rosemont High Sacramento, CA 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Merced High

What grades does Merced High serve?

Merced High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Merced High?

Merced High has an enrollment of approximately 1,951 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Merced High?

The student-teacher ratio at Merced High is 23.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Merced High rank in CA?

Merced High ranks #7,723 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Merced High's MySchoolScout rating?

Merced High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Merced High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Merced High has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Merced High a charter school?

No, Merced High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Merced High a Title I school?

No, Merced High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Merced High?

76.9% of students at Merced High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
67 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
76 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,951
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
84
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Merced County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.1%
4-Year Graduation
94.0%

District

Merced Union High
District Enrollment
11,120
Schools in District
9
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,578
District Rank
#9 of 9

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